Conference Wrap-Up & Legislation Across the Country

Conference Wrap-Up & Legislation Across the Country

What's New In This Edition!

  • A Note from Joe & Legislative Update
  • Sponsor Spotlight, Upcoming Events & Resource Roundup
  • In The News, By the Numbers & Quote


It has been a huge month for the DRA—from Senate Bill 1490 passing through the California Senate to our meaningful presence at the National Restaurant Association Show. Our hard work in the CA state legislature has paid off as SB1490 successfully passed through the Senate. The measure will proceed to the California State Assembly next month, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to protect and empower restaurants against unfair business practices by large delivery apps. It is no secret to anyone in the industry the tight grip that the big third party delivery apps have on small, independent restaurants. This legislation is a significant first step in reigning in that power and giving restaurants a fighting chance in the quickly evolving digital landscape. We understand how crucial these regulations are and are working hard to ensure that this bill passes to protect your business!

 Last month was packed with energizing industry events! Here's a quick recap:

  • May kicked off with Food On Demand where I moderated an engaging panel on First Party Conversion at Food On Demand featuring Andrew Nakkache (FIRST Delivery), Chris Heffernan (dlivrd), and Kimberly Carducci (Freebirds World Burrito).
  • We wrapped up a busy conference season at the NRA Show where I talked with our friends at Marqii, Kelsey Verdier and Avi Goren, and Big Chicken, Josh Halpern, about the latest in review management and tactics restaurants can be utilizing to increase their profitability and loyalty.
  • I also had the pleasure of presenting with Lisa Landsman, Head of Industry Engagement and SMB Success, Restaurants at Google on "Maximizing the Power of Your Digital Business" on the Discovery Stage at the NRA show. 

All of these events were a strong reminder of how tuned in the industry is to taking control over their digital business. Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Together, we are making a difference for the restaurant industry.

Warmest Regards,

Joe Reinstein

Executive Director


Legislative Update

Check out the latest legislative efforts from across the country that focus on better regulating and increasing transparency from big third party delivery. Read more

California SB 1490 Passed the Senate! 

A Major Victory! On May 21, 2024, Senate Bill 1490, introduced by Senator Durazo, successfully passed through the Senate Floor and is now moving on to the CA State Assembly. This bill received substantial support from both California restaurants and state legislators, marking a significant step forward in challenging the unfair business practices of large delivery apps. This victory highlights the power of collective action by restaurants in demanding meaningful change. Read more

Florida Bill Enacted into Law

The Florida Senate Bill 676, which we actively advocated for, has officially been enacted into law. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill last month, aiming to regulate the operations of food delivery platforms and help restaurants curb unauthorized third-party delivery practices. Read more

Jersey City Ordinance 

On May 22nd, Jersey City adopted a new ordinance which passed 7-1. The ordinance includes the following provisions: agreement between restaurant and delivery platform, fee cap, tiered service levels, search results transparency, uniform dispatch times and delivery radius. Read more


Sponsor Spotlight


Upcoming Events

DRA Tele-Town Hall - June 11th at 3:00 PM, Virtual

We’re hosting a Tele-Town Hall to hear your challenges and concerns with big delivery apps. This Tele-Town Hall provides hundreds of California restaurant owners the opportunity to give direct input to the DRA on how you are being affected by the industry’s current landscape. Your input will help elected officials draft new protections for restaurants to level the playing field and push back against big delivery companies.

Celebrating Women in Restaurants - June 12th at 5:30 PM, LA City Hall

We would like to share an exciting opportunity passed along by the office of Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. The office asked that we tell our members about the City Hall, Celebrating Women in Restaurants event on June 12th at 5:30 PM. More info can be found in the flier below. Please RSVP with CD7.events@lacity.org.

Burbank Restaurants Town Hall - June 18th at 10:00 AM, Burbank Chamber

On behalf of the DRA and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, we would like to invite you to a Burbank Town Hall for local restaurateurs on Tuesday, June 18th from 10:00 - 11:30 am. We are looking to have meaningful conversations about your concerns and challenges you have operating in today's digital world.


Resource Roundup

Industry Report Recap - Check out the latest resources in our member center where you’ll find technology tips, how-to guides to boost your social media presence, marketing planners and so much more! Curious about the latest industry insights? We have a report recap for you here.

The Digital Restaurant Podcast - Listen in to hear the latest from DRA advisory board members Carl Orsbourn and Meredith Sandland on their podcast “The Digital Restaurant.” This recent episode discusses how recent junk fee legislation will affect food delivery.

Coach's Corner - As part of our DRA Coach's Corner, we are excited to feature Court Allam. Court is a seasoned restaurant marketing coach at Go Explore Local with 20+ years of experience. Court knows the digital marketing strategies that will help drive traffic and boost sales. Interested in learning more? Set up a free introductory strategy session with Court available for DRA members only.


In The News


By The Numbers

23% of US consumers ...

…  said they no longer order delivery so they don’t have to pay for the fees, according to Revenue Management Solutions’ Dining Dynamics in 2024 report. (via Emarketer)

88% of diners…

… trust online reviews much more than personal recommendations, and aside from online review platforms like Yelp, diners now post their feedback on a restaurant's social media page (via Menu Tiger)


Quote

“I said to [the delivery service provider] ‘Don’t make your problems my problems,’” Thompson said. “The delivery driver forgot the drinks and the answer from the provider is that we should refund the person $100? Ridiculous.”

 - Sean Thompson, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers VP of information technology at the Food On Demand Conference Panel (Read more)


Thank you for checking out the latest edition of the DRA Newsletter. Stay tuned for monthly updates on the latest industry news, tech insights, and policy action. If you would like to learn more about the DRA visit our website and consider becoming a member.


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